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City in Michigan, United States
Photo: Gsgeorge, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Ann Arbor — often abbreviated as AA or A2 — is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities. Ann Arbor is in Michigan 35 mi north of the Ohio border and 45 mi west of Detroit, near where the furthest exurban fringes give way to country and small towns. In 2019, the city had a population of about 120,000 people, and thousands of visitors come to town for football games and various festivals.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Most of the shops and restaurants line State, Liberty, and Main streets, with the quality becoming more upscale as you approach Main. The other popular student hangouts are along South University street. A few blocks north of downtown is the historic Kerrytown district, full of remodeled old homes and pleasant shopping.
A restored 1928 cinema, complete with two organs, one of them a vintage 1927 pipe organ. The theater shows mainly independent and foreign films, with special classic-film showings throughout the year. The organ is often played before performances, and during the Michigan Theater's special silent-film showings. The main auditorium also hosts other events throughout the year, particular musical groups and comedy shows, many fairly well-known.
An art-deco cinema from 1942, the State Theater works in conjunction with the Michigan Theater, and often plays films that have stopped showing at the Michigan.
A nonprofit, intimate music club with 400 seats, which usually hosts folk/rock performers. Private club liquor license (membership required for liquor purchase).
The Big House
Nicknamed the "Big House", the U-M stadium is the largest football stadium in America, with a seating capacity of 109,901. Home games are played in autumn on the well-known "Football Saturdays", when thousands of visitors clog the Ann Arbor streets to watch the Wolverines (or their opponents) play.
The Law School's "Quad", nationally renowned for its serene environment and beautiful Gothic-style architecture, is just south of the center of campus. Built in the early 20th century, the Quad consists of Hutchins Hall — the main law school building — the reading room and the U-shaped Lawyer's Club. The reading room (open to visitors) is an enormous cathedral-like building with stained glass windows featuring the colors of major universities in the US and around the world. The underground law library is naturally lit by enormous windowed shafts just beyond the Quad. The Quad is a grassy open space ringed by trees and seasonal flower beds. During the warmer seasons, students relax and toss the ball around, or sit and study in the Quad, making it an integral part of the Law School. Many locals consider the Law Quad to be the most beautiful part of Ann Arbor.
The heart of the University of Michigan's Central Campus, the Diag is the main quadrangle around which most of the key buildings on campus are arranged. Its name comes from the primary walkway that runs from the northwest to southeast corners of the Diag. In the middle of the Diag, just in front of the graduate library, is a brick courtyard with a brass M in the center; according to student legend, if you step on the M during your first semester at the university, you are doomed to fail your first exam. The Diag is often used for demonstrations, booths or student fairs, and is a popular hangout in warm weather.
Lurie Tower
A 165-foot (50 m) tall structure which houses an operational carillon. The tower is open to visitors when the bells are being played, with two floors accessible by elevator. The top floor allows the visitors to see the carillonneur playing, while the lower floor provides a view of the carillon bells, and a skyline view of the Ann Arbor area. The current operational hours are posted at the base of the tower.
It's in a secluded plot just east of the University of Michigan Hospital. "The Arb" is a favorite place to enjoy peace and quiet in a setting removed from the bustle and traffic of everyday Ann Arbor. The Arb has no signage, no parking lot of its own, nor any restroom facilities. What it has is an impressive peony garden, many different species of native trees, shrubs, and grasses, and the Huron River runs through it. A gem that's worth seeking out.
A large office park in a pastoral location, home to the world headquarters of Domino's Pizza. Visitors will go mostly for one of two attractions:
The largest art gallery in Michigan, specializing in early 20th century and Old World art.
15 acres (6 hectares) of land with farm animals from around the world, including rare and near-extinct species, like the French Poitou donkey (only 200 reportedly in existence), African watusi cow, Horned Dorset ram, and Tibetan yak. The barn was once part of a working 1925-era farm, but was opened as a petting zoo in 1984. Tours, hay rides and educational presentations available.
Just east of Domino's Farms, on Dixboro Road, Matthei Botanical Gardens is operated by the University of Michigan and open to the public. There are trails to stroll, a greenhouse to visit, and plantings to enjoy. Every spring, Matthei hosts a plant sale that is very popular with gardeners.
A 15-foot-tall (5 m), 2400-lb glossy black cube created by Tony Rosenthal; there's a similar one in the East Village of New York City. The Cube spins on its axis when pushed. Although Tony Rosenthal cubes often appear identical, the late artist always varied design elements on each of his cubes. Alamo has a distinctive curve element whereas Ann Arbor is more geometric.
Created by Maya Lin, the Wave Field is an earth sculpture, 90 feet (27 m) by 90 feet (27 m) square, consisting of a series of fifty grass waves in eight rows.
The alley mural began as a one-man project in the 1980s and became a popular spot for graffiti artists. The city took the spot over in 1999 by hiring artist Katherine Tombeau Cost to paint over the original mural and graffiti with a new 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) mural. The graffiti artists haven't entirely relinquished their claim to it, meaning that Cost's mural has been partially defaced with large bubble lettering, but it's still an interesting (and out-of-the-way) sight. Be sure to seek out the "trippers'" bubble gum wall toward the back. During warmer weather, you'll often find musicians or dancers putting on solo performances in the alley entrance, hoping to glean donations.
Painted in 1984, when the corner location was still occupied by David's Books, this mural depicts the five authorial visages of Woody Allen, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Hesse, Franz Kafka, and Anaïs Nin.
Fire hydrants and transformers, painted in bright colors by local artists and schoolchildren.
Keep your eyes near the ground for fairy doors-- miniature colorful doors through which fairies can enter local businesses. According to Jonathan B. Wright of urban-fairies.com, the doors began appearing around town in the early 1990s.
"The Arb" comprises 123 acres (50 hectares) of hilly woodland along the Huron River, with collections of North American plants interspersed throughout. Peony garden, prairie, constructed wetland and Appalachian plant collection. At night you can see all of Ann Arbor from the top of the hill.
A 300-acre (120 hectares) site with outdoor display gardens, a 10000 ft2 conservatory filled with tropical plants, and miles of nature trails.
A 69-acre (28 hectares) park along the Huron River and Geddes Pond, and Ann Arbor's most popular recreation area. Walkways with pedestrian bridges over the water, two playgrounds, picnic areas, open fields, over 3 mi of asphalt trails. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental (canoes can also be taken from the Argo Park livery, 1055 Longshore Drive, +1 734-668-7411, to the Gallup livery).
A 39-acre (16 hectares) park with picnic areas, children's play area, softball diamond, soccer fields, outdoor tennis courts, 25-yard (23 m) swimming pool, children's wading pool, outdoor ice arena for public skating and ice hockey, cross-country ski center, and snowmobile trails. Skate rentals available.
Nine galleries with more than 250 interactive science demos and exhibits, on topics from physics to health to nature to mathematics. Kids will like it a lot; adults will be fairly entertained.
An 1845 two-family home, notable for its façade made of cobblestones in herringbone rows, now restored and interpreted to give a view of past rural life in Washtenaw County.
A restored Greek Revival house museum from 1853; once home to Reuben and Pauline Kempf, prominent Ann Arbor musicians, now offering guided tours and a glimpse into Victorian life in Ann Arbor.
50 acres (20 hectares) of fields, woods and prairie, featuring outdoor, hands-on and discovery-based educational programs. Features an environmentally-friendly Nature House; a Critter House with frogs, turtles, snakes, and rabbits; live birds of prey, including owls, falcons, kestrels, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle; and a mile-long trail through the Black Pond Woods.
The Gerald Ford Library collects and preserves the papers from Gerald Ford's presidency, including over 20 million pages of memos, letters, and personal papers. The collection also includes photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, and film. While these materials are by appointment only, there are free exhibits in the lobby on the life of President and Mrs. Ford, as well as a 20-minute film, narrated by President Ford. The Library hosts free evening events - author talks and programs by notable individuals.
Exhibit Museum of Natural History
Exhibits on natural sciences and anthropology, including prehistoric life, Michigan wildlife, Native American and other cultures, and rock and mineral specimens.
Galleries featuring nearly 100,000 artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern civilizations.
UMMA
Collections of African, American, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern art; modern and contemporary artwork; prints, drawings and photographs; and frequent rotating collections. Gift shop on-site.
Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
Exhibitions by art students and faculty in two galleries on North Campus: the Warren Robbins Graduate Center and the Slusser Gallery. Also check out their small downtown gallery "Work".
Over 10,000 artifacts focused on the history of dentistry, with particular interest in dental practice and technology in the United States and Michigan since the 18th century.
Housed in the School of Music, the Stearns Collection holds over 2500 pieces of historical and contemporary musical instruments from all over the world.
The oldest astronomical observatory in Michigan and 2nd oldest building remaining on campus. Take a free tour of the observatory and learn how it set the stage for The University of Michigan to become a center of science and research. The telescopes at this observatory served to set time for the entire city and keep the trains running on schedule until the development of more reliable timepieces and telecommunications.
Collections of algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, monocots, dicots, fungi and lichens.
Archaeological collections of pottery, flaked and groundstone tools, animal bones, ethnobotanical and sediment samples, and accompanying field notes, site and survey maps, photographs, and other relevant documents and records; ethnographic collections of pottery, basketry, textiles, wood, and many other materials; and extensive photographic collections.
Collections of paleobotany, micropaleontology, invertebrate paleontology and vertebrate paleontology.
Collections of birds, fishes, insects, mollusks, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Ann Arbor is a college town, and this fact is perhaps no more prevalent than on game day (particularly football where the stadium fills to the largest capacity in the entire nation). UM has one of the most accomplished and competitive athletic programs in the nation. No visit is complete without taking in at least one Michigan sporting event. The football program has won more games in its history than any other Division I FBS program, and sells out every game at "The Big House", capacity 109,901. The men's ice hockey program is a national powerhouse, winning an NCAA record 9 national championships, and packing a boisterous 6,377 sellout crowd into historic Yost Ice Arena. Michigan also has a strong tradition in men's basketball, swimming, baseball, softball, field hockey, gymnastics, cross country and track. Other teams include women's basketball, golf, men's and women's lacrosse, rowing, soccer, diving, tennis, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
9 private, sound-proofed rooms for groups of 2-30. Over 10,000 song selections in seven different languages. Reservations encouraged, especially for larger parties and weekend nights.
Over 22,000 sq ft (2,000 m2) of climbing terrain, with 50-ft (15 m) walls, a motorized climbing wall, three bouldering areas and adventure racing including rappelling.
Popular in the area through the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
20 minutes north of Ann Arbor.
Play the charming melodies of the Kerrytown Chime — a seven ton, world class musical instrument made up of 17 bells in a tower. Choose from over 100 songs. Play by number. Kerrytown Market and Shops is one of the only places in the world where such an instrument is accessible to the public. It is easy and tons of fun for all ages.
With three permanent indoor ice rinks under one roof, this is the perfect place to practice your hockey or figure skating skills, or just go for recreational skating.
Home to the university's collegiate ice hockey teams. Also specializes in hockey and figure skating programs for the general public.
Ema Stefanova, yoga therapist
Private yoga therapy by appointment for health and wellness. For full schedule of general classes, workshops, retreats and in-depth yoga studies visit the website.
Ann Arbor Bicycle Club is a weekly bike cruise that happens from the early spring until the late fall. It is made up of many 'Townies' and U of M students. Enjoy the fresh night air and see the town from a different angle. On this pleasantly paced ride you will visit local parks and other public hangouts that most overlook. Bring your bike, bring your beer, and bring your friends. But don't bring yo' kids!
Ann Arbor is a regional center for contra dance, an easy-to-learn social folk dance with mixed European origins.
Held during six days in late March at the Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty Street). The oldest festival of its kind in North America, showcasing over 100 independent and experimental films and videos annually, since 1963. Over 20 prizes are awarded to the best films. Passes are available for single screenings, single days, weekends or the entire week.
The University Musical Society annually presents a series of concerts by world-renowned artists at Hill Auditorium, the Power Center, the Michigan Theater, or Rackham Auditorium.
Held the first Saturday in April. The Hash Bash began when poet John Sinclair was jailed for marijuana possession, leading John Lennon and Yoko Ono to headline a protest rally in Ann Arbor in 1971. Beginning in 1972, it became an annual event to commemorate the occasion and support the reform of marijuana laws. The Hash Bash is a gathering point for thousands of cannabis aficionados from all around, with guest speakers in the Diag attracting large crowds. Given the nature of the event, you probably will see people smoking marijuana; those who do light up tend to take advantage of the difference in fines between the town ($25) and the university ($100 and possible jail time), which basically means that your punishment depends on which side of State Street you stand on. Vendors sell everything from hemp bracelets to "glass art" (actually pipes and bongs, but who's quibbling?), bongo drums are played, and people-watching can be an event in itself.
Once held in mid-April at midnight on the last day of classes. A tradition at the University of Michigan which began in 1986, in which hundreds of students — traditionally graduating seniors, although in practice there's a broader spread — ran across campus naked, while spectators cheered them on, to celebrate the end of the school year. Although it is illegal, it was tolerated by local police until 1998, when they began attempting to strongly discourage continuation of the Naked Mile, fueled in part by concerns over outsiders videotaping the event and selling the recordings online. To avoid being arrested, students often run the Mile in body paint, underwear, or a day earlier than usual.
Held in mid-May. First organized in 2004 to promote reading, heighten awareness of literacy challenges, and showcase the rich culture of the written word in Michigan and beyond. The festival features a bookstore crawl, antiquarian book fair, author readings, symposiums and panels on literacy and writing, tours of the U-M library conservation and preservation lab, and a street festival.
Held the first Saturday in June since 1995. Crafts, merchandise, food, live music.
Kiosks along Main Street offer people the chance to sample menu items from over 35 local restaurants. Also includes three stages of live music, dancing and more.
Annual outdoor Shakespearean production since 2001, held on weekends in June. Roving performance requires the actors and audience to shift locations throughout the Arb from scene to scene. Previous productions have included A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Love's Labour's Lost.
Held from mid-June to mid-July. An annual event since 1983 with different nightly indoor cultural performances: singers, musical bands, dancers, comedians, plays, and other acts including acrobats and animal handlers.
Held annually since 2008, the student run satellite TED conference is an awesome showcase of what people associated with the University of Michigan have accomplished. Ticket prices vary and location changes every year. At TEDxUofM you'll be inspired, meet interesting people, and have great discussions. The event is generally held sometime in Spring.
Held from mid-June to early July. Nightly local and regional live bands, outdoor film screenings at 10PM, and concession booths from eight local eateries. Traditionally this event was held on the upper level of the Fletcher parking structure, next to the Power Center — hence the name — but it has been temporarily moved outside the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. In inclement weather, performances and films may be cancelled.
Held throughout downtown, four juried art fairs that display and sell art: the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair along N University; the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair along Main, Liberty, William and State; the State Street Area Art Fair; and the South University Art Fair. In practical terms, it's all one great big fair that takes about a full day to explore if you move quickly and don't look at every booth. Prices are generally rather high, as befitting an art show of this calibre, but there are definitely bargains to be found, as well as some less expensive non-juried booths that tag along for the ride. Loads of concessions, live entertainment, and booths with great sales from local businesses are scattered throughout. During the Art Fair, hotels are generally booked up and parking can be difficult to find, so book a room early (by February or March) and find a spot at one of the park-and-ride stops to catch a bus into downtown.
Taiwanese and Szechuan cuisine, with a separate menu of over 50 traditional Taiwanese dishes. The salt-and-pepper crispy chicken wings are one of their most popular dishes.
Ann Arbor's only Turkish restaurant, offering soups, salads, pilavs, boreks, lamb, beef, chicken, and many vegetarian stews.
The only place left in town where you can buy fragels, a delicacy that was created at the (now defunct) Bagel Factory here in Ann Arbor. It's best to go early and get them piping hot.
Salads, nachos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and tacos, made with fresh ingredients and fresh salsa.
Hot and cold milk tea (black or green), calpico, Thai iced tea, coffee and frozen smoothies, with black or rainbow pearls, mango stars and lychee jellies. Drinks come in a variety of cream-based and fruit-based flavors, with the cream-based taro being especially popular. They also offer snacks like chicken wings, fried foods and mochi ice cream. Students often hang out in the lounge to play board games.
This tiny restaurant is full of flavor and the only all-vegetarian Indian restaurant in town. Family recipes may surprise. Catering.
Because it's Ann Arbor, there are many vegetarian options. You can't miss the shiny metal exterior, and will most likely leave with a story. Try the Hippie Hash, a mixture of potatoes, vegetables and cheese. Can be an interesting adventure at night.
Jamaican food including soups, salads, patties, seafood, sandwiches, and jerk chicken and pork.
Palestinian-American-owned restaurant very popular for its cheap but tasty falafel.
A popular restaurant among Korean students, serving traditional favorites along with some Japanese food.
Despite the official slogan ("Cheaper than food since 1953"), the food's great. Infinitely customizable within the burger-and-fries milieu (plus sandwiches, deep fried vegetables, etc.) Make sure to bring cash, as they may or may not be taking credit cards. They are also known for giving change in interesting denominations (i.e. two-dollar bills and fifty-cent pieces).
As the name suggests, they sell hot dogs, but the true star of the show is the rotating selection of 84 homemade soups, of which around 6 are available on any given day. Try the Tuscan squash with blue cheese, the curried winter melon, the pozole or the famous lobster bisque, which is only available on Thursdays and Fridays. Their fresh-squeezed lemon and orangeades are also delicious.
South Indian, Indo-Chinese and Moghlai dishes, with a daily lunch buffet. The Manchurian cauliflower is delicious, and they have a wide variety of dosas and uttappams. Try the rose milk.
It has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants on campus. Pad Thai is excellent, so expect crowds during lunchtime and dinnertime on the weekends.
Fast and simple but good food.
Considered by some to be the best pizza in town. Pizzas (including stuffed and Chicago-style), calzones, salads, subs, chapatis and main courses. Gets crowded 1:30AM-3AM on Th-Sa nights. The South U location is now closed.
Middle Eastern salads, sandwiches and traditional dishes at very reasonable prices (most sandwiches are under $6), and the owner is extremely friendly. Their vegetarian pitas are unusually diverse; try the makalee pita (cauliflower, potato, hummus, lettuce, pickles and garlic sauce) and the riz b-harr pita (spicy eggplant, potato, cilantro, garlic, rice, lettuce, tomato and pickles).
Raja Rani
Indian cuisine?
Korean food in a casual diner-style setting, and the only place in town where you can get pot bing su (a dessert of ice cream, shaved ice, tropical fruits, sweet beans, rice cake and flavored syrup) in warm weather.
Typically cited by locals as the city's all-around best Indian food. Authentic Indian and Tandoori dishes, Indian and domestic beer served. Full bar. Carryout and catering available.
ice cream
Very popular among university students. Good sushi at good prices; consequently there can be a wait at lunch. Nice selection of specialty rolls, always fresh.
A fantastic collection of exotic teas and intricate coffees. Soothing atmosphere, free Wi-fi and great locations.
Appetizers, salads, breakfast dishes, nachos, burritos, fajitas, dinners, desserts, milkshakes, and other Mexican-American favorites. Popular with students for their low prices and late-night delivery. The store also stocks 300 varieties of hot sauce.
Excellent downtown sushi restaurant, also serving tempura, a wide variety of udon, and bento.
Korean BBQ.
A popular local hangout, the shop carries fresh homemade doughnuts, hand-dipped shakes, malts and ice cream sodas, and over 30 flavors of Stroh's ice cream. It's been around since 1934.
Very good Middle Eastern food and surprisingly great fries too.
An Eastern European cafe with an emphasis on Polish and Hungarian food, and a Viennese patisserie. The pierogies and goulash are delicious, as are their homemade soups. It's best to go for lunch, when the food is practically identical but the prices are much lower.
Simple restaurant in strip mall with good Korean food.
Ethiopian cuisine, with both meat and vegetable dishes served in their all-you-can-eat feast options. All meals are served with traditional bread called injera, and Ethiopian coffee and tea are also available. Try the honey wine. If you're on budget, ask for refills, do not order extra things. This place, though reasonable, gets expensive fast.
American and German specialties, including sauerbraten, rouladen, sausages, spaetzle, salads, pasta, sandwiches, beef, poultry and seafood. An upstairs club features nightly entertainment.
A downtown branch of Lotus Thai, featuring a nearly-identical menu. Try the grilled seafood with herbs.
Specializing in the cuisines of the Mediterranean, with appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, seafood, steaks, and regional Mediterranean main courses. Try their tortilla de camarones and Moroccan seabass fufarran. The complimentary taramosalata is excellent, and they're justifiably proud of their bright green extra-virgin olive oil, which you can also buy at the restaurant.
Traditional German cuisine since 1928. Appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, chicken, American main courses, wursts and platters, sandwiches, German side dishes, desserts, beers and spirits. Traditional German main courses include sauerbraten, rouladen, schnitzel, cabbage rolls and chicken livers.
Offers Chinese cuisine as well, but Vietnamese is definitely the reason to come here. Excellent dishes include the pho, grilled meat vermicelli, hot pots and the cilantro chicken. Be sure to try the Vietnamese-style coffee.
It began as an upscale Korean restaurant called Kana, then the owners branched out into pan-Asian cuisine (largely Korean and Thai) and tweaked the name. Excellent food in a relaxing setting. Be sure to try the homemade, naturally-sweet hot ginger tea.
Family-owned Italian restaurant featuring appetizers, salads, pasta, Italian main courses, desserts, and an award-winning selection of Italian wines. Try their rigatoni with country greens, sausage and hot peppers.
Appetizers, salads, pasta, fish, meat and desserts.
Good Japanese food.
The only Korean place in Ann Arbor where you can have Korean-style galbi grilled at your table. Ban-chan (side dishes) are authentic Korean style, and group tables (4-60) available. Wider selection of food such as galbi, galbi-jjim, boiled mixed seafood, bulgogi, and tofu-kimchi.
With entirely vegetarian cuisine (and many vegan options, too), this is one of the best restaurants in Ann Arbor. Their creative dishes are inspired by Mexican, Italian, North African, Indian, Asian and American cuisine. Tons of options, some delicious offerings and generous portions, though the prices can be surprisingly high (such as $14 for grilled eggplant, steamed broccoli and brown rice with cilantro-peanut sauce). The butternut squash enchiladas are one of their best-sellers.
Housed in an old Long John Silver's, Tuptim quickly became a local favorite for its high quality Thai cuisine.
Broad menu including an array of authentic appetizers, teriyaki and tempura main courses, donburi, udon, curry rice, noodles, sushi, ochazuke, nabemono and bento.
Vanity Fair called it "the best deli in America." The prices are higher than at a typical deli, but so is the quality of the ingredients, although some people find the serving sizes to be small. Sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, salads, traditional Jewish favorites, breakfast foods and desserts. Baked goods, ice cream and chocolates are also available on the premises, and you'll enjoy browsing their world-renowned selection of gourmet groceries with the help of their very knowledgeable staff. Sandwich # 55, Gemini Rocks the House, comes highly recommended by locals, and is vegetarian so nobody should miss out.
Appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, chops, poultry and seafood. One of Ann Arbor's priciest restaurants, so many people only visit on their birthday, when their main course is free! If you just want a little something sweet, gourmet pastries and desserts are available in the adjacent La Dolce Vita for around $7 each (try the crème brûlée with fresh fruits). There's also a cigar lounge downstairs for sipping and smoking.
Provincial Italian and French country cuisine. The escargots in puff pastry are delicious.
Great seafood (check the buffet) in a former train station. Eat here and watch the tracks or, if you're broke (and you will be after the meal), walk along the tracks and watch the diners.
The place where locals go for excellent steaks, prime rib and veal, along with salads, side dishes, seafood and desserts.
The place where locals go for excellent steaks, prime rib and veal, along with salads, side dishes, seafood and desserts.
Featuring prime rib, steaks, seafood and an award-winning wine cellar since 1937. Appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, pasta and desserts. Sunday breakfast brunch served from 9:30AM-1PM for $9.25.
Serving "really good American food", including regional specialties from around the country with an emphasis on down-home Southern food, spicy Southwestern and fresh Californian cuisine. Soups, salads, $16 burgers, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, desserts and $8 cocktails.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (particularly wine and cocktails); selections are primarily from European and American cuisine. Try the sweet potato fries for good value.
Known to the pub faithful as ABC, this establishment has outdoor seating in the warmer months and a fabulous block party Oktoberfest celebration in the fall. ABC has good food (especially the nachos) and a good variety of unique brews. They also offer a selection of Belgian-style ales brewed onsite. ABC offers monthly beer tastings ($40), with a schedule posted on their website.
A busy establishment with good food and an excellent assortment of beers (over 60 on tap). Ashley's is always a good time and worth the wait on the weekends. Sandwiches, wraps, pub pizzas and main courses.
A popular, low-key, secluded underground drinking establishment known for its cocktails.
A popular hangout since 1938, the Brown Jug offers appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish dinners, and pizza. Beware however that a lot of the food has been frozen.
A popular hangout south of campus next to the Business School and Law School, with lots of outdoor seating on the two porches or in the rear garden. Mostly Italian food, with pizza, pasta, subs and salads. The sangria, served in Mason jars, is very popular. Service can be hit-or-miss.
Tavern near the Amtrak station. Soups, salads, snacks, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and main courses, with beers for $3.25-4.95. Very helpful wait staff who will gladly steer you away from items they don't recommend.
Serving wine, beer, Irish coffee and other hot drinks. The menu is a mixture of pub food (burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads) and traditional Irish favorites (mussels, shepherd's pie, boxty, fish and chips, and more). The strawberry and rhubarb crumble is delicious.
A popular undergraduate hangout with a menu featuring breadsticks, pub food, salads, pizza, sandwiches and burgers. Popular for their bombs, Long Island iced teas and specialty drinks.
Features a number of their own brews. In addition to its brews, Grizzly Peak has excellent food and friendly wait staff. In the fall, Grizzly Peak and other area breweries host an Oktoberfest block party, and celebrate the season with drink specials and an Oktoberfest beer glass. American cuisine featuring pizza, burgers, ribs, fresh fish, pasta, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. The cheddar ale soup is not to be missed!
Belgian-style ales brewed in nearby Dexter, Michigan, are served here along with a seasonal menu. Vegan-friendly.
Asian-French fusion cuisine in a subterranean bistro and wine bar, with a separate sushi menu and an extensive wine and martini selection. Live music or DJs in the lounge W-Sa 10PM-2AM. On Mondays they host a movie night featuring salad, a main course and dessert, followed by a screening of a classic or contemporary film. Try the Pasta Va-Va.
Appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, southwestern main courses, rotating weekend main courses, and a broad selection of mixed drinks. Popular but non-rowdy watering hole for townies.
Sports bar serving burgers, chicken and sandwiches.
Seasonally-rotating menu with inventive small plates, specialty artisan cheeses, traditional main courses with a twist, and housemade desserts. Extensive wine list and full bar.
A popular local nightclub and concert venue since 1971, featuring local talent and occasionally larger acts. The 8 Ball Saloon, beneath the club, is open daily from 3PM, with pool tournaments Su-Tu and a darts tournament on Monday.
Ann Arbor's hottest nightclub with DJs and live music, and nightly drink specials. Pride Friday at Necto is Ann Arbor's best LGBT party, every Friday night since 1984.
Rick's holds a legendary reputation on campus, and it has been the most popular bar among University of Michigan upperclassmen for many years. While it doesn't get busy until around 11PM, expect the line to wrap around the side of the building to the end of the alley next door in the fall and spring. Though "cafe" is in the name, Rick's does not serve food, and instead is known for strong drinks such as the "mind probe" and the "shark bowl", as well as the best dance floor on South University.
Highest-quality coffees from around the world, from a variety of specialty coffee roasters, prepared by expertly-trained baristas. Not one to miss for coffee lovers.
Local tearoom offering organic fair-trade locally-roasted coffee, chai, a wide variety of teas (black, green, white, red and herbal), and main courses from Seva. Offers periodic reading series and special events.
Specialty coffee roasting business. Four locations.
RoosRoast is an awesome local coffee roastery filled with art and love and home of the triple shot long pull! Specializing in Fair Trade and Organic coffees! Come try a cup of coffee or pick up some beans today!
Yemeni coffee shop with a wide variety of sweets available.
Coffees, teas, frozen drinks, hot chocolate, Italian sodas and juices, as well as soups, sandwiches, parfaits, quiche, pastries, sweets and desserts. Their ginger lemon tea is a popular choice.
Over 160 classic black and green, oolong, white, rooibush, herbal, ayurveda, fruit, aroma and seasonal teas sold loose, as well as tea accessories. Tea tastings offered periodically.
Coffee shop, deli, and bar with indoor and outdoor seating and rotating food trucks
Coffees, teas, ice cream, chocolates and pastries from Zingerman's Bakehouse.
108 rooms. Jacuzzi suites available.
127 rooms. Complimentary expanded daybreak breakfast, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, sauna, onsite workout facility. Jacuzzi suites available.
30 rooms. Built in 1889.
112 rooms. Fully-equipped kitchens and workspaces, dining and cooking utensils provided. Free access to Bally's Total Fitness Center. Adjacent to Briarwood Mall.
71 rooms. Fully-equipped kitchens and workspaces, dishwasher, on-site fitness center. Free access to Bally's Total Fitness Center.
83 rooms. Complimentary continental breakfast.
10 rooms. Just outside the city limits, near Dixboro.
108 rooms.
1 room, with twin beds (or king together) and private bath. 1875 house on the West Side, about a 20-minute walk from campus. Customized adventure trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. Himalayan watchdog and vegetarian breakfast included. Innkeeper: Heather O'Neal.
122 rooms. Full kitchen, VCR and CD player, fitness center. On-site gift shop.
110 rooms. Indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.
149 rooms. Exercise gym, indoor pool, hot tub. Complimentary deluxe hot breakfast and to-go breakfast bags, and free USA Today.
223 rooms. Indoor/outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, restaurant and lounge. Complimentary local shuttle service and USA Today.
11 rooms. An English gothic inn composed of a castle stone chalet house, a Frank-Lloyd-Wright-inspired church, a neo-gothic parsonage, and a coach house tearoom. All rooms have private bath and fireplace. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.
66 rooms. A small European-style inn which has received the city's Award for Outstanding Historic Preservation. The Earle Uptown restaurant, serving French cuisine, is on-site. Complimentary continental breakfast, free valet parking.
160 rooms. Breakfast buffet, lounge, indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room.
208 rooms. Fitness center, outdoor pool, sauna, sundeck. Passes available to Central Campus Recreation Building gymnasium. Victors Bar & Restaurant and gift shop on-site.
Sheraton
197 newly renovated rooms all featuring refrigerator, microwave, and personal safe. Fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, and Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro on-site. Features Ann Arbor's largest ballroom for weddings, conferences, expos, and more.
21 rooms on the fourth floor of the Michigan League. Complimentary breakfast voucher.
200 rooms. Exercise room, heated indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, Graham's Restaurant and Lounge on-site. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast available for Executive Level.
158 rooms. Pool and recreation area, exercise room, sauna, outdoor patio. Popular on-site Weber's Restaurant and Lounge. Complimentary continental breakfast.
Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast
9 unique rooms with private bathrooms on the University of Michigan Central Campus by Power, Hill, League, and Rackham. Wireless & wired internet, public internet with printer, DVD/TV, on-site parking and a full, hearty breakfast. Coffee, tea, pop, water, and snacks anytime. Hot tub, kitchenettes, and extra beds and tables available. Innkeeper: Pat Materka.
4 rooms. Art and antiques gallery on-site. Complimentary continental breakfast. Adults only.
Specializing in spirituality, psychology and integrative medicine. Also carries gifts, cards, jewelry, crafts, art, music, incense, ritual items, candles, aromatherapy, body tools, and yoga supplies. The tea room, on the second floor, is quite good, though not cheap.
A great place to browse – probably has the largest and widest selection of the downtown used bookstores.
General bookstore. Beautifully designed and trendy. Regularly hosts authors and poets for readings and other book related events.
Specializes in history.
Used and rare books, maps, and photographs. A strong literary bent.
One of the best used record stores in the country. Staff have encyclopedic knowledge.
New records. They have the latest and keep their stock well up to date.
New and used CDs and vinyl. Small but very well-picked selection.
One of the busiest country gift and furnishing stores in Michigan, located in a historic store in the village of Dixboro. Furniture, candles, collectables, garden decor, tabletops, bath and body supplies, home accessories, lighting, and edible goodies.
A great gift store offering jewelry, crystals, minerals, fossils, and gifts from around the world. Their jewelry is very pretty and generally at quite reasonable prices. If you want something local to the area, you can find samples of Michigan greenstone aka chlorastrolite (the state gem, from Isle Royale, which is fairly pricey), Petoskey stone (the state stone, usually found loose rather than in jewelry) and native Michigan copper (as bookends or free-flowing verdigris-encrusted sculptures).
Low-relief and polychrome tiles, using locally-produced clay and glazes, which can be purchased as individual art pieces or for installation. Guided tours available (free at 11AM every Thursday, or $5 per person for tours of 4 or more people by appointment).
Known as the Big Ten Party Store until 2005, the name change better reflects the quality of the merchandise. Long popular with locals of discriminating taste, York is one of the best spots in town to find a broad selection of wines, spirits, and beers, as well as cheeses, imported candies, and other quality foods.
Comic books, graphic novels, trade paperbacks, manga, action figures, board games, statues, DVDs, T-shirts, posters, art prints, stickers and toys. The store also hosts art exhibitions, signings, and regular board-game nights with a selection of in-house games.
Over 20 shops and restaurants, including a very nice produce and seafood market.
Local farmers bring fresh produce, baked goods, and plants to the Farmer's Market for sale at excellent prices, while the Artisan Market features the work of local craftspeople.
Shops and galleries housed in a historic indoor walkway with a glass atrium-style ceiling, built in 1915 and modelled after a European arcade.
Over 125 shops and restaurants.
By plane
The nearest major airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 25 minutes away.
By train
By bus
By bus
By taxi
Ann Arbor has several reliable 24-hour taxicab companies.
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